School closure consultation
Find out about the proposals to close 2 primary schools, how you can share your views and how the proposals will affect pupils.
Consultation on the closure of 2 schools in 2024
Brighton & Hove City Council is consulting on the proposal to close 2, one form entry primary schools by the end of August 2024.
The 2 schools affected are:
- St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School
- St Peter’s Community Primary School
The consultation opens on 7 November 2023. The closing date for responses is 22 December 2023.
Respondents are asked to submit an online response about the closure of either or both of these schools on the consultation page.
If you're unable to submit a response through the portal, send an email with your views to schooladmissions@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
If you need us to take down your response to the consultation because you cannot complete it yourself, phone 01273 293 653 between 9:30am and 1:30pm, and we'll take down your response.
You can translate this website into different languages at the bottom of the page. Contact the school admissions team if you need any further help with translations or if you need an interpreter at any of the meetings.
Reasons for the proposed closures
In the Census 2021, it was revealed that there was a 22% drop in children aged 0 to 4 living in Brighton & Hove in the 2021 census compared to the 2011 census.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s own projection of pupil numbers starting Reception in the coming years forecasts that there will be 651 excess places in 2025 and 662 excess places in 2026. This will mean Brighton & Hove will have over 25% surplus capacity.
In response to the fall in pupil numbers Brighton & Hove City Council is proposing the closure of 2 schools and the reduction in the Published Admission Number of 9 schools from September 2025. This will mean a total reduction of 300 primary school places.
Read more about the school admissions consultation.
Too many spare school places in the city will result in some schools not getting enough pupils attending. As schools are mostly funded on pupil numbers, if they do not have enough pupils attending, they may not be able to operate in a financially efficient way.
These proposals were discussed at the Children, Families and Schools meeting on 6th November.
Public meetings about the proposed changes
Brighton & Hove City Council will be holding a series of public meetings. These will be a combination of in-person meetings held at various schools and webinars using Microsoft Teams.
The meetings and webinars will outline the reasons for the proposed changes and give the opportunity to ask questions.
All members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings.
| Name of school | In-person (public) meeting date and time | Online meeting date and time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School |
Wednesday 15 November – 2pm Thursday 16 November – 6pm |
Monday 13 November – 6pm Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 325 654 098 32Passcode: m9XEQB |
|
| St Peter’s Community Primary School |
Tuesday 14 November – 6pm Wednesday 15 November – 9am |
Wednesday 15 November – 6pm Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 334 633 685 069 Passcode: VHEKAh |
|
How to use Microsoft Teams
To get the best from Microsoft Teams meetings:
- test your equipment beforehand, including your internet connection, microphone and camera
- mute your microphone when you're not speaking, this cuts out background noise and improves the call quality for everyone
- watch this short video to see how to join a meeting on Microsoft Teams
Asking questions on Microsoft Teams
When we get to the question-and-answer section please use the hands-up function to ask a question. You can also use the chat function (speech bubble) to ask questions while someone else is talking. Questions will be addressed when the speaker finishes.
Timeline for school closure consultation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 7 November 2023 to 22 December 2023 | Consultation on the proposal to close schools |
| 8 January 2024 | The Children Families and Schools Committee considers the result of the consultation - a decision is made on whether to publish a statutory notice for the closure of St Bartholomew’s and/or St Peters |
| 12 January 2024 | Statutory Notice is published followed by a 4-week period in which representations can be made |
| February 2024 | The outcome of the statutory notice period is considered by the Children Families and Schools Committee and a recommendation is made to the full council |
| March 2024 | The full council makes a decision on the proposal |
| 31 August 2024 | Subject to the decision of Brighton & Hove City Council St Bartholomew’s and/or St Peters closes |
Questions about the proposed closures
Read questions and answers relating to the proposed school closures.